Segovia day trip from Madrid: aqueduct, Alcázar and roast suckling pig

How to visit Segovia from Madrid in one day: fast trains and buses, the Roman aqueduct, the cathedral, the Alcázar and where to try cochinillo.

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Why Segovia

Segovia, north-west of Madrid across the Guadarrama mountains, combines three landmarks in one small old town: a Roman aqueduct, a late-Gothic cathedral and a fairy-tale castle. The old city and aqueduct are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting there

High-speed trains from Madrid Chamartín reach Segovia-Guiomar station in under half an hour; from Guiomar a local bus runs to the aqueduct in around 15 minutes. Buses from the Moncloa interchange take a little over an hour and drop you closer to the centre. Book trains in advance at weekends.

The aqueduct

The Roman aqueduct is the city's emblem, a double-tiered line of granite arches built without mortar, probably around the end of the first century AD. It is most impressive at Plaza del Azoguejo, where it reaches its full height. Climb the steps beside it for a view along the arches.

Cathedral and old town

Walk up Calle Real, the main shopping street, to Plaza Mayor and the cathedral, built in the sixteenth century and among the last great Gothic cathedrals in Spain. The narrow streets around it are full of Romanesque churches, such as San Martín and San Millán.

The Alcázar

At the western tip of the old town, the Alcázar rises from a rocky spur above two rivers. Its turrets and slate spires are often said to have inspired fairy-tale castles. Inside are armour, throne rooms and a ceiling-decorated hall, and the climb up the Tower of Juan II gives a sweeping view of the plain and mountains.

What to eat

Segovia is famous for cochinillo asado, roast suckling pig, traditionally carved with the edge of a plate to show how tender it is. Judiones, large white beans from La Granja, and ponche segoviano, a layered marzipan cake, are other local specialities. Restaurants near the aqueduct fill quickly at weekend lunchtime, so book.

Tips

Segovia is higher and cooler than Madrid, so bring a layer even in spring. If you have a car or extra time, the royal palace and gardens of La Granja de San Ildefonso are a short drive away.

History in brief

Segovia was an important Roman settlement, and the aqueduct carried water from the mountains into the city for many centuries. In the Middle Ages it became a royal residence of the Crown of Castile; Isabella I was proclaimed queen in the city in 1474. The many Romanesque churches date from this period of prosperity, when Segovia grew rich on the wool trade.

A one-day route

Arrive mid-morning at the aqueduct, climb the steps for the view, then walk up Calle Real to Plaza Mayor and the cathedral. Have lunch around 14:00, which is normal in Spain, then continue to the Alcázar in the afternoon. Before leaving, walk down to the viewpoints below the Alcázar, or out to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, for the classic view of the castle rising above the trees.

Around Segovia

With an extra half day, consider the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, built by Philip V with French-style gardens and fountains; its fountains are switched on only on certain days. Nature lovers can explore the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, which lies between Segovia and Madrid.

When to go

Segovia lies at about 1,000 metres above sea level, so winters are cold and summer nights are fresh. Spring and autumn are excellent, and a clear winter day with snow on the mountains can be spectacular. Weekends and Spanish holidays bring many visitors from Madrid, so weekdays are calmer.

FAQ

Official sources

• Official Madrid tourism (esMADRID)
• Metro de Madrid